Adelaide was full of hype and potential ahead of the 2015 AFL Draft, as the streets rumbled with the excitement and class of young AFL prospects.

Carlton opened the night with Jacob Weitering and the top 15 picks seemed to go to plan, without any surprises – yet.

Then came names like Harrison Himmellberg, Tom Doedee, and Brayden Fiorni. Talk about unpredictability.

A total of 70 new players were taken at this year’s draft, despite the shallow tag it had been given we can now review the 2015 draft – and my premature indication is that it didn’t live up to its initial tag.

The difference in each club’s rating seems to be how hard they worked on getting good talent at the rear end of the draft. Let’s review each club’s draft.

Adelaide
Rating: C-

Maybe two of the most controversial and unpredictable decisions of this year’s draft were made by the Crows. Bidding on Harrison Himmelberg was the first shock and picking Tom Doedee was the second.

Not sure if they needed another small forward already with Eddie Betts and Charlie Cameron but they also decided on Wayne Milera. Doedee? Can’t say much, as I’m currently lost for words.

Pick 11 – Wayne Milera (183cm, 77kgs) – Medium midfielder/forward who oozes class with ball in hand. Makes excellent decisions by either hand or foot. His best games were against Western Australia and Vic Metro, with his pace and elusiveness proving to be major assets. Has been very impressive at senior level with Central District this year.

Pick 17 – Tom Doedee (187cm, 83kgs) – Medium defender who excels one-on-one, is strong overhead and clean below his knees. Solid performer for Vic Country in four matches in the NAB AFL U18 Championships this year after representing his state in basketball at U18 level last season. Team-orientated player capable of playing on taller or smaller players in defence.

Brisbane
Rating: A+

The best forward of the draft, two amazing academy players, one of Vic Country’s best midfielders and a tall key defender. Things could not have gone better for the Lions who now have some terrific talent at their disposal – the question is, what they do with it?

Pick 2 – Josh Schache (199cm, 100kg) – Tall forward who presents strongly on the lead and has a very clean set of hands in the marking contest. His goalsense in general play is excellent, as is his set shot goalkicking on his preferred left foot. His strong mature body gives him an advantage over the opposition and he uses it very well in contested situations. Won the Larke Medal (Division One best and fairest player) and the Vic Country MVP as well as All-Australian honours. Member of the NAB AFL Academy.

Pick 14 – Eric Hipwood (202cm, 84kgs) (Academy) – Tall defender/forward with terrific hands overhead in contested situations. Uses the ball effectively on his preferred left foot. Very agile for a player of his size. Plays back and forward. He played a major role in Queensland winning Division Two, earning All-Australian honours. Member of the NAB AFL Academy and Lions Academy.

Pick 24 – Ben Keays (184cm, 80kgs) (Academy) – Medium midfielder/forward who is a ball magnet with terrific work rate and uses the ball with great efficiency on his preferred left foot. Can push forward where he regularly has an impact on the scoreboard. Now a dual U18 All-Australian and won the Queensland MVP and the Harrison Medal (Division Two Best and Fairest). Member of the NAB AFL Academy and Lions Academy.

Pick 39 – Rhys Mathieson (185cm, 81kgs) – Extremely tough and competitive medium midfielder who plays a physical brand of football. Possesses excellent game sense and football smarts while reading the ball very well in flight off the boot. A great extractor of the football out of tight situations, using his clean hands to great effect. Is now a back-to-back U18 All-Australian.

Pick 47 – Sam Skinner (196cm, 94kgs) – Key defender who can go forward to impact the game. Can also contribute as a second ruckman, making him a very versatile player. Played two matches at the NAB AFL U18 Championships before a season-ending knee injury. Member of the NAB AFL Academy.

Carlton
Rating: A

Carlton was always going to feature prominently in the draft this year, and having four first round picks was a bonus, adding a key defender, two midfielder and two key forwards. They had a terrific draft with their picks, not sure about David Cunningham though, will see how that turns out.

Pick 1 – Jacob Weitering (194cm, 94kgs) – Tall defender with very strong and clean hands in the marking contest. Makes good decisions when in possession on his preferred right foot and has excellent penetration in his kicking. Announced as the Ben Mitchell Medallist for the NAB AFL Academy earlier this year to confirm his leadership potential and won All-Australian U18 honours.

Pick 10 – Harry McKay (200cm, 94cm) – Left-footed tall forward/ruckman who has great pace and agility for a player of his size. His ability to mark as a lead-up forward is another feature of his game. Had a standout performance against South Australia at the NAB AFL U18 Championships and was a consistent performer throughout. Won All-Australian U18 honours this year.

Pick 12 – Charlie Curnow (191cm, 95kgs) – Powerful tall forward/midfielder who is extremely athletic, strong overhead and dangerous near goals. Showed potential for the NAB AFL Academy against VFL opposition earlier this year before injury kept him out of the NAB AFL U18 Championships. Has returned to TAC Cup football with Geelong Falcons in the last five matches, showcasing his potential as a marking forward. Brother of Carlton’s Ed.

Pick 23 – David Cunningham (183cm, 80kgs) – Extremely quick medium midfielder who represented Vic Metro in the NAB AFL U18 Championships this year and plays for Melbourne Grammar. Has great step through traffic and reads the ball well off hands. Has been impressive for the Chargers this year.

Pick 53 – Jack Silvagni (191cm, 83kgs) (Father-Son) – After Essendon’s bid Carlton matched it and got Jack, son of a Carlton legend. Tall forward/defender who displays terrific hands either in the air or below his knees for a player of his size. A versatile player who can play forward or back. Son of former Carlton champion Stephen and eligible for father/son selection to the Blues. Kicked six goals against WA in the NAB AFL U18 Championships in a promising performance.

Collingwood
Rating: D

Sier with 32 was a surprise when they could of gone for a few better players like Mitchell Hibberd, Tom Cole, Riley Bonner, Harley Balic or Rhys Mathieson who I thought would be much better options all fitting into Collingwood’s criteria.

Later picks like 58, 63 and 65 I think were just selected to fill out their list, don’t really expect many of these guys to play next year, or for that matter, ever.

Pick 32 – Brayden Sier (190cm, 91kgs) – Big-bodied midfielder who played just two games for the Northern Knights at TAC Cup level in 2015, averaging 15 disposals and operating at 80 per cent efficiency. Played the remainder of the year for Marcellin, winning the school’s best and fairest. Did not attend either the NAB AFL Draft Combine or the Victorian State Combine.

Pick 58 – Tom Phillips (185cm, 75kgs) – The versatile Phillips kicked two goals for the Oakleigh Chargers in the grand final to top off a strong year for the speedy wingman/half-forward. He could benefit from being part of an elite program.

Pick 63 – Rupert Williams (191cm, 89kgs) – Rupert is a powerful, tall midfielder. He feels like he’s got some really good attributes and is going to learn the game and take a lot out of this year. He’s got really good upside and has some genuine power with the way he plays. He’s quite an exciting player.

Pick 65 – Ben Crocker (185cm, 84kgs) – Medium defender/forward who is a fierce competitor. Outstanding overhead as a lead-up player when forward and in contested situations. Is a versatile player who can go into the midfield to make an impact. Member of the NAB AFL Academy. Impressed when progressing to play two matches at VFL level with Port Melbourne this year.

Essendon
Rating: A-

Looking to rebuild are the Dons and I really liked Essendon’s approach to the draft this year, indicated early that they needed pace, a key forward to go with Joe Daniher, a small forward and a third tall backman that would push out Ariel Steinberg or Tayte Pears.

Got a mid in Darcy Parish, a third tall backman who could be anything, Morgan for the pace – being the fastest in the draft. Mason Redman and Mitch Brown will complete the forward line as the Bombers now will have three talls (at last), and a small forward in Yestin Eades. Also got a key backman as well, although I think pointless, he could be good.

Pick 5 – Darcy Parish (181cm, 73kgs) – The midfielder couldn’t have done any more over two ultra-impressive seasons. He is a back-to-back under-18 All Australian, a member of the NAB AFL Academy and has been exceptional in nearly every important game he’s played. Parish has dash and skill and is always on the move. He might look like an outside midfielder because of his run and flash, but he works brilliantly at the stoppages and fights above his weight. Towards the end of the season he also showed his overhead marking was developing nicely, and he’s a steady kick at goal on the run. His size might see clubs place others ahead of him, but he has achieved more at under-18 level than any other midfielder in this draft. Dyson Heppell aside, Essendon’s midfield stocks are quite bare beyond their veterans. Parish was a smart choice.

Pick 6 – Aaron Francis (191cm, 86kgs) – Francis was tipped as a contender for the first selection early in the year, but his form later in the season saw him drop in the eyes of some recruiters. The powerful defender is able to control games as a third tall, but in his stints up forward and in the midfield he has also been able to have a big say on games. The question is his endurance and whether he will be able to play the similar third tall role at AFL level, but clubs know his innate competitiveness will hold him in good stead. Essendon has liked him for some time and Francis is a Bombers supporter who has made it clear he wants to head to Tullamarine, and that is what has happened.

Pick 29 – Alex Morgan (181cm, 79kgs) – Dashing medium defender with damaging foot skills on both sides and creative with his hands. Has good step through traffic and was impressive for Vic Metro in the NAB AFL U18 Championships, playing four matches. Has performed well for the Chargers this year. Tested at the combine coming out the fastest player of the draft, Essendon have the need for speed, and he will provide the spark.

Pick 30 – Mason Redman (187cm, 86kgs) – Classy medium forward who is quick off the mark, a terrific user of the ball and makes great decisions. Strong overhead and showed poise around goals. Kicked three goals against Vic Metro in his best performance at the NAB AFL U18 Championships.

Pick 54 – Mitch Brown (195cm, 93kgs) – Delisted by Geelong at the end of 2014 after 15 games, the versatile tall caught the attention of recruiters as a top-up player for Essendon in the 2015 NAB Challenge. He enjoyed an excellent season with Sandringham in the VFL, playing both forward and back for St Kilda’s state league affiliate. Now clear of shoulder troubles, he is a promising third tall who has been reinvigorated by a year out of the AFL system. Will play I think as a tall forward next year for experience along with Joey Daniher.

Pick 64 – Yestin Eades (183cm, 81kgs) – A nippy forward who in 2014 moved from WAFL club Swan Districts to escape a troubled upbringing and landed in Melbourne to board at St Patrick’s College. The move worked wonders and Eades had an impressive 2015 season, when he kicked 12 goals in 12 games for the North Ballarat Rebels, represented Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and kicked two goals in his only appearance for North Ballarat in the VFL.

Pick 68 – Michael Hartley (198cm, 102kgs) – The key defender spent 2012-13 on Collingwood’s rookie list, but after playing four NAB Cup games at the end of his first pre-season with the Magpies, two serious shoulder injuries limited him to five VFL games over the next two years. Since being delisted by Collingwood, Hartley has put his injury problems behind him and produced two outstanding seasons with Coburg in the VFL. At 198cm and 102kg, he’s more than held his own against AFL-listed forwards such as Richmond’s Tyrone Vickery and Liam McBean, and North Melbourne’s Majak Daw.

Fremantle
Rating: B+

Had a good draft considering their low picks, Harley Balic is a terrific player who was tipped to go in the first round but somehow dropped to 38 and Tucker is a fantastic player. Picked up a key defender, a key forward and a half-back. Samuel Collins could be a direct replacement for Luke McPharlin and may play straight away next year, who knows?

Pick 27 – Darcy Tucker (183cm, 79kgs) – Left-footed medium midfielder who loves to run and carry when distributing the ball. Good with his hands in contested situations, regularly disposing of the ball effectively by hand to his teammates. All-Australian at U18 level in 2014. Member of the NAB AFL Academy. Could slot into a wing for Fremantle or half-back, but will be hard to burst onto the scene in his first season.

Pick 38 – Harley Balic (187cm, 81kgs) – Medium forward/midfielder who is strong in the air and is very good one-on-one. Strong-bodied player who is composed with the football in his hands and looks to have time when the ball is in his possession. All-Australian at U18s level this year.

Pick 55 – Samuel Collins (193cm, 87kgs) – Became a regular holding down a key defensive post for the losing grand-finalists and his efforts won’t have gone unnoticed by AFL scouts. Collins boasts excellent closing speed and gives his heart and soul in every contest. The fact that the Oakleigh Chargers product is only 21 and part of Box Hill’s leadership group speaks volumes about his character.

Pick 61 – Shane Yarran (185cm, 79kgs) – Yarran promises goals, having kicked 49 in 18 matches for Subiaco this season. At 26, he enters the draft system late having served a lengthy prison sentence which ended in 2013. The forward was dropped to the reserves for one game during the season for missing training.

Geelong
Rating: B+

Get excited Geelong fans, Wylie Buzza! The next generation of tall forward has landed at the Cats, as they did fairly well with their picks, considering how low they all were it is hard to rate them harshly.

Pick 59 – Ryan Gardner (196cm, 85kgs) – Gardner plays taller than he is, battling against some of the premier forwards of the competition down in Tasmania. He is a key defender with a leap and a strong mark and rarely loses one-on-ones.

Pick 66 – Sam Menegola (188cm, 88kgs) – Spent 2011 on Hawthorn’s rookie list before three seasons at Fremantle as a rookie but never played an AFL game. The 188cm midfielder has incredible endurance and was the Dockers’ best runner while he was there. Ran a 14.13 beep test at the WA state combine. After he was delisted at the end of 2014 he dominated the WAFL in 2015. Averaged 27 disposals in Subiaco’s premiership side and finished third in the Sandover medal despite playing just 12 home-and-away games.

Pick 69 – Wylie Buzza (198cm, 99kgs) – Love this guy! The Queensland key forward is strongly built and likes to throw his weight around both in attack and when in the ruck. Boasting strength and athleticism, he was a member of the Queensland U18 State Academy this year and represented the Allies. Is a strong mark and capable of kicking a long goal.

Pick 70 – Matthew Hayball (186cm, 80kgs) – Alright, who is this guy? I’m not sure either. From West Adelaide Hayball is a forward/midfielder who has strong hands for his size and can kick goals, was awarded MVP for SANFL round 4 for the colts, having 21 possessions, taking a game-high 14 marks, had eight inside-50s and also kicked four goals.

Gold Coast Suns
Rating: D

Got a small forward which they admittedly needed, lacking in that area I believe. Brayden Fiorini was a bit of a shock, not sure they needed him when they could have gone for Darcy Tucker, Kieran Collins or Ben McKay.

Josh Schoenfeld at 34 because he runs a good beep test? And Mackenzie Willis, a poor draft for the Suns who could have really had a successful draft with picks 8, 20 and 34 being pretty high in the order.

Pick 8 – Callum Ah Chee (182cm, 72kgs) – Exciting medium forward with elite pace, agility and a tremendous natural leap. Was outstanding for the NAB AFL Academy earlier in the year against the Northern Blues, taking a Mark of the Year contender in the goalsquare. Already transitioned to senior level impressively at WAFL level.

Pick 20 – Brayden Fiorini (186cm, 76kgs) – Classy medium midfielder or defender who uses the ball very well on his preferred left foot. Solid performer for Victoria Metro in the NAB AFL U18 Championships, averaging 15 possessions in three matches, but has starred for the Knights in the TAC Cup, averaging 30 disposals.

Pick 34 – Joshua Schoenfeld (186cm, 75kgs) – Hard-working midfielder with elite endurance who prides himself on working to countless contests because of his ability to spread and cover the ground. Uses the ball effectively by foot, often finding the short targets to maintain possession, but gets forward and has an impact on the scoreboard. Played in four games for Western Australia during the NAB AFL U18 Championships. Ran a 16.1 beep test which is elite.

Pick 52 – Mackenzie Willis (183cm, 82kgs) – After undergoing a shoulder reconstruction which ruined his 2014 campaign, the midfielder returned in style this season and attracted interest from AFL clubs, including Gold Coast. Willis ticks plenty of boxes for recruiters, he’s tough, competitive, fairly quick and strong overhead, as well as being a leader for the Tigers.

Greater Western Sydney
Rating: A

All their picks may have been academy players but some serious talent is at GWS. Two premier midfielders in Matthew Kennedy and Jacob Hopper look for a serious future, then a key forward Harrison Himmelberg who starred in the Allies game and another ruckman with Matthew Flynn coming into the club. These academies are getting seriously good.

Pick 7 – Jacob Hopper (185cm, 83kgs) (Academy) – Medium midfielder with an excellent work ethic who has the ability to win the footy both on the inside and outside. Shows excellent composure with the ball in hand, making smart decisions and executing well. He won the NSW/ACT MVP, is a member of the NAB AFL Academy.

Pick 13 – Matthew Kennedy (187cm, 88kgs) (Academy) – Medium forward/midfielder who is a prolific ball-winner and strong overhead. Missed national championships because of injury but was in outstanding form for the Rams in the TAC Cup. Has overcome his knee injury and returned to play for Collingullie late in the season.

Pick 16 – Harrison Himmelberg (194cm, 87kgs) (Academy) – Extremely mobile tall forward who relocated to Eastlake from Riverina this year after an injury-interrupted 2014. Presents very well up forward with his repeat efforts and has good hands. Solid performer at the NAB AFL U18 Championships. Member of GWS Academy.

Pick 41 – Matthew Flynn (199cm,101kgs) (Academy) – Developing ruckman who competes aggressively and is athletic. Agile and courageous, he can push forward and be dangerous as a marking forward. Excellent below the knees for a player of his size and shows potential with his rucking craft at stoppages. Performed well at the NAB AFL U18 Championships. Member of GWS Academy.

Hawthorn
Rating: B-

Only three picks, Kieran Lovell was a surprise to me as I thought Kieran Collins was the way to go, and Blake Hardwick is a good player, consistent, but not really any x-factor about him to make you think he will be a star.

Ryan Burton is a jet though and will be a terrific forward, if it wasn’t for his shattered leg this year I could see him going top 5.

Pick 19 – Ryan Burton (191cm, 90kgs) – Very talented tall forward who moves effortlessly across the ground. Excels on the lead and rarely misses from a set shot position because of his smooth kicking action. Kicked five goals against Western Australia at U18 level in 2014 before suffering a badly-broken leg. Is on the road to a full recovery but has not played this year. Played senior football as a 17-year-old last year for North Adelaide. NAB AFL Academy graduate.

Pick 22 – Keiran Lovell (173cm, 79kgs) – It’s said he would be top 10 if he was 10cm taller, nevertheless a prolific ball-winning small midfielder who can win his own ball at the stoppages and link up on the outside to provide run for his team. Has good speed and elite endurance, as well as the ability to win the ball overhead in one-on-one contests. Won the Tasmanian MVP and All-Australian U18 honours.

Pick 44 – Blake Hardwick (181cm, 79kgs) – Medium forward who is terrific on the move as a lead-up forward. Is a difficult match-up one-on-one and regularly makes something out of nothing around goals with his elite power, regularly bursting from contested situations. Performed well in four games at the NAB AFL U18 Championships and impressed with his goalkicking this season at TAC Cup level, including 12 goals against the Bendigo Pioneers and 10 against the Geelong Falcons.

Melbourne
Rating: B-

Would love to be in Melbourne’s position with some real talent coming through the ranks. A key forward to go with Jesse Hogan in Sam Weideman and an inside bull midfielder in Clayton Oliver.

Later picks were used to pick up two big men one being a ruckman and one being a tall forward, I thought these were used weakly, and could have used them better, also thought Darcy Parish was the better option at pick 4, but we will have to wait and see. Maybe saw Gach Nyoun as an alternative to Mitch King.

Pick 4 – Clayton Oliver (187cm, 86kgs) – None would have predicted six months ago that Oliver would be a top 10 pick. He’s a big tough, physical and big midfielder. The Morrish medallist kicks goals, marks well above his head and has an explosive streak that sees him dominate clearances. He also presented well and tested impressively at the combine last month, which further boosted his stocks. Melbourne loves Oliver, and we should be seeing him in a few years as a great player, still yet to fill his full potential as he keeps growing.

Pick 9 – Sam Weideman (195cm, 94kgs) – Tall forward who is a terrific contested mark and accurate in front of goal. Courageous and aggressive player who impressed for the NAB AFL Academy against Werribee and Northern Blues earlier this year before injury kept him out of the NAB AFL U18 Championships. Father Mark and Grandfather Murray played at Collingwood.

Pick 42 – Mitch King (199cm, 91kgs) – Ruckman who has been a state representative in basketball and football as a junior. Athletic player who links up well around the ground and is strong overhead. After injury-interrupted start to the year he recovered to play 10 games with the Bushrangers.

Pick 46 – Liam Hulett (194, 90kgs) – A 193cm utility whose top-up year in the TAC Cup was cruelled by an ankle injury that restricted him to just two outings for the Dandenong Stingrays this year. He played mainly for his local club at Bonbeach, but the recruiters were intrigued enough to ask that he play in the Young Guns game last August. Usually a ruck/forward, he played at centre half-back and showed promise running the ball out of the backline.

North Melbourne
Rating: A-

Another tall forward to add to their stocks, got three midfielders and a half back. Should be happy with the talent they have here, really good draft by North.

Pick 21 – Ben McKay (198cm, 95kgs) – Tall defender or forward who can assist in the ruck. Played 10 games with Gippsland Power this year after a late start, impressing at both ends of the ground. Played forward and kicked four goals against the Northern Knights in round 17. Strong overhead and aggressive in the contest.

Pick 31 – Ryan Clarke (186cm, 82kgs) – The hard-running midfielder powered the Eastern Ranges into the TAC Cup grand final this year with a brilliant finals series, which topped a consistent season. Clarke averaged 31 disposals for the Ranges across the year, and with his bigger body, running strength and ability to push forward and kick goals, he should be able to play some senior AFL football next year.

Pick 33 – Mitchell Hibberd (190cm, 85kgs) – Tall midfielder or defender who has overcome significant knee and shoulder injuries to play some exciting football this year for Tasmania. Very good athletically and a sound decision-maker. Performed well in three games at the NAB AFL U18 Championships for Tasmania.

Pick 43 – Corey Wagner (180cm, 74kgs) – Medium midfielder with excellent speed and endurance and a good user of the ball. Smart player who is composed with the football in his hands. Impressive for Queensland in the NAB AFL U18 Championships and the TAC Cup. Was a member of the Brisbane Lions Academy.

Pick 60 – Declan Mountford (181cm, 72kgs) – Medium midfielder who can break the lines with his pace. Strong overhead and aggressive in the contest. Consistent performer for WA in the NAB AFL U18 Championships and has been a prolific ball winner at Colts level.

Port Adelaide
Rating: B+

Did well for their two picks that they had, taking the best kick in the draft I think, plus a quality midfielder.

Pick 37 – Riley Bonner (190cm, 85kgs) – Tall defender with penetrating left foot and is very efficient on his non-preferred side. Breaks the lines with his rebound from defence. Can play tall or small. Progressed from U18s to senior level with West Adelaide this year. Impressed at the NAB AFL U18 Championships, winning All-Australian U18 honours.

Pick 45 – Aidyn Johnson (183cm, 75kgs) – Medium forward with explosive pace and agility which allows him to find space in congested areas. Member of the NAB AFL Academy whose season has been marred by injury. Mixes his football between Scotch College and the Bendigo Pioneers.

Richmond
Rating: B+

Thought the Tigers did a terrific job with the draft they had this year, Daniel Rioli is a smart choice as it addresses the Tigers need for a small forward to be at the feet of Riewoldt and Vickery, expect Rioli to play almost every game in 2016.

Oleg Markov is one of the hidden gems I have talked about, looks to be a star I think, very athletic. Nathan Broad was an interesting one, is an overage recruit at 22 so could slot into the team early and be the next Kamdyn McIntosh.

Pick 15 – Daniel Rioli (179cm, 69kgs) – Given his surname, clubs had already been watching Rioli closely throughout the season. But he really sprang up the draft order with his finish to the year, when he kicked four goals in a TAC Cup final, was among the best players in the grand final-day curtain-raiser for the Allies, and then tested exceptionally well over the week at the combine. There he underlined his elite mix of speed and endurance, which made clubs look even harder at him. The Tigers are in need of a crafty small forward and Rioli fits that bill.

Pick 50 – Oleg Markov (190cm, 85kgs) – Oleg Markov was born in Belarus and is the son of a world champion pole vaulter. He is a beautiful athlete and missed out on being drafted last year. Came seventh in the agility run which is extraordinary for someone that is 190cm. Also kicked a perfect 30 in the goal kicking test – only one of four to do so and also ran a massive 14.8 in the beep test. An athletic beast.

Pick 67 – Nathan Broad (191cm, 83kgs) – A mature-age versatile defender who impressed with his consistency for Swan Districts in the WAFL this season. He averaged 19 disposals and six marks and provides great run and carry off half-back. Has made significant improvements in his decision-making and kicking over the past 18 months, and demonstrated his explosive speed by winning the repeat sprints test at the WA state combine. At 22, he is hungry for an opportunity.

St. Kilda
Rating: B+

I like the look of all of the Saints recruits, Jade Gresham especially. Looks to be clean and smart with the ball in hand, White looks to be fast and strong and Bailey Rice looks to be a gem I think, really good picks and obviously a father-son pick as well.

Pick 18 – Jade Gresham (177cm, 76kgs) – Small midfielder/forward with elite speed and power. Excelled at stoppages and was able to push forward and kick some important goals for his team. Indigenous player who was a member of the Flying Boomerangs in 2012. Won the Vic Metro MVP, TAC Cup coaches award and U18 All-Australian honours in 2015.

Pick 40 – Brandon White (188cm, 79kgs) – Well-rounded medium midfielder/defender with excellent closing speed. Makes good decisions and distributes the ball well on his preferred foot. Strong mark overhead for a player of his size. Impressed in three games for Vic Country in the NAB AFL U18 Championships.

Pick 49 – Bailey Rice (184cm, 83kgs) (Father-Son) – Medium midfielder/defender with excellent speed and power, regularly on display when bursting from the stoppages or defensive 50. Is a versatile player, being able to play in various roles within the team. Son of former Carlton premiership player Dean Rice and was eligible for Carlton or St Kilda under the father-son rule. Represented Vic Country in the NAB AFL U18 Championships this year.

Sydney Swans
Rating: C

Got their top prospect in Callum Mills, but I’m not sure that they did their homework on what other players they should be getting. Mills a great pick up no doubt but their other picks are a little out there, not sold on them. Left the draft without Josh Dunkley who would have been a star at the Swans.

Pick 3 – Callum Mills (188cm, 80kgs) – Mills was the first player to have a bid made on him during a live draft as the AFL unveiled its new bidding system. Melbourne has been tipped to place a bid on Mills at pick No.3 as they did, which saw the Swans asked to match the bid by moving up from pick No.33 and their next couple of picks (36, 37 and 43) moved to the back of the draft. Mills is a competitive and tough midfielder who, despite missing most of this season with injury, is still one of the most talented players in the draft. He starred at NEAFL level last year as a bottom-ager and will play a significant amount of senior footy next year for the Swans.

Pick 51 – Tyrone Leonardis (182cm, 82kgs) – Medium defender/midfielder who possesses a terrific step through traffic when in possession. Disposes of the ball neatly on his preferred left foot and is prepared to take the game on. Solid contributor for Vic Metro in five games at the NAB AFL U18 Championships.

Pick 56 – Jordan Dawson (190cm, 82kgs) – Dawson overcame a persistent back ailment to have a strong second half of the year with Sturt. Likening himself to Hawks star Jack Gunston, the half-forward has the ability to play on the wing.

West Coast Eagles
Rating: B+

Some good prospects here, Tom Cole and Luke Partington look to be good players no doubt. Their later picks also look to have some authority about them as they look like they have done their homework and really made their later picks worth it.

Pick 28 – Luke Partington (181cm, 77kgs) – Hard-working medium midfielder with good speed and excellent endurance. Can find the ball around the stoppages, but his ability to spread quickly from the contest makes him equally as dangerous on the outside. Composed player who used the ball exceptionally well by hand and foot. Plays with great passion and impressed at the NAB AFL U18 Championships, winning All-Australian honours. Member of the NAB AFL Academy.

Pick 36 – Tom Cole (185cm, 80kgs) – Classy medium defender/midfielder who is highly skilled with his ball use by either hand or foot. Can play in a range of roles for his team and thrives in contested situations. Averaged 14.3 possessions and 4.2 tackles in six games at the NAB AFL U18 Championships. Member of the NAB AFL Academy. Has impressed with step-up to VFL level in three matches with Geelong.

Pick 57 – Kurt Mutimer (184cm, 81kgs) – Left-footed medium midfielder who is a penetrating kick, is strong overhead and has good natural pace. Important player in Victoria Country championship-winning team, averaging 15 possessions. Had an excellent season with the Stingrays.

Pick 62 – Matthew Allen (192cm, 72kgs) – Tall forward who is quality user of the ball, particularly on his preferred left foot. Other strengths include his lead-up marking, displaying a safe pair of hands. Understands how to use his body in contested situations, regularly winning one-on-ones.

Western Bulldogs
Rating: B+

With open arms greeted Kieran Collins, the second best defender in the draft. Got Josh Dunkley away from Sydney as a father son selection. Back end of the draft was unpredictable but got a midfielder and a key forward. So they covered every section of the ground and added to their already amazing young talent.

Pick 25 – Josh Dunkley (188cm, 85kgs) – Medium midfielder who is a prolific ball-winner and a smart user of the ball. Is a very good mark overhead and can play in many roles within his team. Was eligible under the father-son rule for the Sydney Swans, where his father Andrew was a star, but the Swans didn’t match the bid and that’s that, also a member of the NAB AFL Academy.

Pick 26 – Kieran Collins (194cm, 100kgs) – Collins developed his game exceptionally well this season to become the second best pure key defender in the draft, only behind his close friend Jacob Weitering. The strongly-built 194cm prospect defends tightly, but also added an attacking element to his game this season which saw his draft stocks jump. He was named in the All Australian team after a superb carnival, and beat some of the best key forwards in the draft across the season. The loss of Micheal Talia calls for a new backman, welcome Kieran.

Pick 35 – Marcus Adams (192cm, 95kgs) – With two years of senior WAFL football under his belt, Adams is a versatile key position player who excelled in 2015, catching the eye of recruiters. At 193cm he can play both key forward and defence and pinch hit in the ruck. The 22-year-old is strongly built and flirted with a rugby league career before committed to Australian football. Has drawn comparisons with West Coast forward Jack Darling.

Pick 48 – Bailey Williams (187cm, 77kgs) – Ball magnet whose season for Glenelg in the SANFL under-18s was highlighted by the 56 disposals he picked up against Woodville-West Torrens in July. Also played five reserves games for the Tigers, where he averaged over 11 disposals a game. Recorded a 13.6 beep test at the state screening and tested well for agility. Was initially considered a draft smokey but garnered interest from several clubs as the year went on.